Oren Everett Swanson

Published July 10, 2013 at 1:22 pm

Oren Everett Swanson

Oren Everett Swanson was born Oct. 29, 1940, in Rush City, Minn., to Stanley and Mildred (Keiser) Swanson. He was raised in rural Rush City and attended country school and Rush City High School. Following his education, he began his career as a commercial painter. At the age of 20, Oren began working for Rainbow, Inc. in New Hope. He married Janis Mechura on June 30, 1962, at St. Peter’s Church in Mendota Heights. After marriage they made their home in Minneapolis until 1966 when they bought their home in Plymouth. Oren also lived in Lakeville, Northfield, Rogers and Albertville until moving to Faribault in 2010 where he resided until his death. Oren spent the majority of his painting career with Rainbow, Inc., retiring in 1992 after 32 years of service. His wife Janis passed away in 1999.

Oren was a 50-plus year member of Painters Union Local #386 and a former longtime member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Wayzata. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, vacations and trips, and spending time with his family and friends. He was strong and hardworking.

Survivors include his children and their spouses: Robyn and Ron Vieths, of Elk River; Valarie and Victor Kitzman, of Champlin; Carmella and James Minor, of Burnsville; Jodi and Steve Hansen, of Northfield; Clint and Julie Swanson, of Big Lake; his daughter-in-law, Michele Swanson, of Albertville; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Myron “Mike” (Val), of Arizona; Kermit (Margie), of Harris; Paul (Mary Ann), of Harris; Gary (Nancy), of Minnetonka; three sisters: Harriet Nelson, of St. Cloud; Audrey (Arden) Nelson, of Lino Lakes, Caroline (Cliff), Rundle, of Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Swanson, of Harris; his brother-in-law, Edward (Sonja) Mechura, of Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Janis, his son DeLoren, his grandson Steven Hansen, his brothers Wendell and Marlin “Bud”, and his infant sister Eileen.

Oren passed away peacefully at 5:20 a.m. on Monday morning, July 8, 2013, with his family by his side at Millstone Senior Living in Faribault at the age of 72.

Services will be noon Friday, July 12, 2013 at Christiania Lutheran Church in rural Lakeville with Rev. Nancy Brown officiating. Tom Carlson will provide music. Lunch will follow the service. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Casket bearers are Clint Swanson, Ron Vieths, Victor Kitzman, James Minor, Steve Hansen and Russell Swanson. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com